September 2023
At the end of September 2023, We had the honour of representing Japanese culture through the art of the tea ceremony at the United Nations World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This year, the UN conference brought together over 350 politicians, civil servants, artists, and cultural figures from across the globe. The celebrations concluded with a spectacular gala held at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring orchestras, choirs, and artists from diverse countries, each sharing their unique heritage.
It was a great privilege — and responsibility — to perform the Japanese tea ceremony at such an international gathering. Many guests expressed a genuine interest in Japanese traditions, and it was incredibly rewarding to see how tea could spark cross-cultural connection and appreciation.
Throughout the event, Keiko had the chance to meet and connect with talented creators from around the world — from an Aboriginal artist to a Ghanaian basket weaver. Despite our different backgrounds, we bonded over a shared love for craft, creativity, and cultural expression.